Beloved Martha, It's Okay To Rest!Sýnishorn

Martha’s Hospitality

If you are wondering who I'm referring to when I say Martha, here are a few details about the Martha referenced in this plan:

• Martha was a contemporary of Jesus.
• Martha lived in the village of Bethany, which was about 2 miles from Jerusalem.
• Martha owned her home and she lived with her younger brother, Lazarus, and younger sister, Mary.
• One meaning of the name Martha is “Boss Lady”.

Martha’s episode began with her welcoming Jesus into her home in a remarkable gesture of hospitality. You may be wondering, what was remarkable about her invitation? Well, I must remind you of two significant details: Jesus was a controversial figure whose teaching about the Kingdom of God had enraged most of the leadership of the religious order and Jesus typically traveled with His 12 disciples and supporters and converts. What a bold and generous move by Martha!

I imagine Martha going through her to do list. Invite Jesus over to the house. Done! Jesus accepts invitation. Done!

After the arrival of Jesus and His followers at the house, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as He taught. However, Martha busied herself with serving responsibilities. Later frustrated by all that had to be done, Martha interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me (Luke 10:40, TPT).”

What just happened? Did you hear what I heard? Did Martha just fuss and tell Jesus what to do?

Reflections:

Have you ever felt like Martha? I know I have. I have experienced the frustration of my good intentions being crushed by unrealistic self-expectations. I have also wanted Jesus to make others change their behaviors to suit my demands for help.

I have even had a Martha episode while serving dinner as a Hospitality ministry member. This is what I remember: dinner service had run longer than usual and just as our Pastor had begun his opening remarks for Bible Study, I told the seated Church members to get up and clean up their dining tables. Yes, I interrupted the Pastor. Yes, I was frustrated by thoughts of members leaving before cleaning up the fellowship area.

Yes, I understand Martha.